Ben (2018)

Directed by: Bobby Moresco | 96 minutes | crime, thriller | Actors: Karl Urban, Andy Garcia, Sofía Vergara, Grace Byers, Vincent Spano, John Finn, Trai Byers, Tonya Cornelisse, Chiara Bassermann, Isabel Serrano, Metthew T. Reynolds, Patrick Brennan, Elena Sanz, Charlotte Bradley, Violet Ryder

Some movies you don’t even need to see to know if they’re for you. Take ‘Bent’ for example: after reading the description on the back cover you can already judge this production. The synopsis in combination with the casting already indicates exactly what you can expect from this unoriginal, mediocre but still quite enjoyable police thriller. If you’re not familiar with the genre, this thriller features illogical plot twists, stiff acting, corrupt cops, and some pretty and willing ladies.

In ‘Bent’, Karl Urban plays the role of narcotics cop Danny Gallagher. This cop has been discredited and had to grumble for a few years. Now that he’s free again, he decides to find out which villain managed to get him behind bars. Of course – or rather traditionally – this fired police officer does not search too gently for answers. Before he knows it, he finds himself in a wasp’s nest.

Sounds familiar? Could be right, because movies like ‘Bent’ are being made all the time. Not bad in itself, but director Bobby Moresco does not know how to give his work his own twist. It results in a loveless exercise that you’ve seen a hundred times before and better. Urban lacks the charisma to carry this film, so you never really empathize with this cheated servant. His opponents don’t fare much better. Andy Garcia doesn’t feel like it too much and trots on in a pale supporting role. Sofia Vergara has not been cast (again) for her acting skills and Grace Byers also gets little to do. You should not expect a strong or remarkable game. Just enough, though.

‘Bent’ is not a bad film, but it is characterized by its anonymity. This movie has nothing to say, is uninspired and was made purely for monetary gain. However, if you want to get people interested in your product, you have to do your best. This B-production doesn’t bother to be distinctive and is just there. Perhaps this is a must for the undemanding police thriller fan, but if you are not too fond of the genre, this film will not convince you in the least.